Dual communication channel smart card

ABSTRACT

Wait times at ATMs may undermine the utility of these self-service machines. ATMs are configured to provide faster self-service kiosks that allow users to quickly perform common financial transactions. However, it has been increasing common for users to have to wait on a line to access an ATM. Apparatus and methods are provided for a smart card that stages transactions by capturing the amount, pin and other necessary information on the smart card itself, before the user begins interacting with the ATM. Information captured by the smart card may be transferred to ATM when the smart card is inserted into ATM. The user does not provide the ATM with any additional information after inserted the smart card into the ATM, thereby improving the transaction processing efficiency of the ATM and enhancing user satisfaction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 16/879,866, filed on May21, 2020 and entitled DUAL COMMUNICATION CHANNEL SMART CARD, which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

Aspects of the disclosure relate to improving transaction efficiency andoperation of automated teller machines (“ATMs”).

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Wait times at ATMs may detract from the utility of these self-servicemachines. ATMs are deployed to provide self-service kiosks that allowusers to quickly perform common financial transactions. An ATM may becapable of processing a higher number of financial transactions per unitof time than a human teller. However, it has been increasing common forusers to have to wait to access an ATM while other users complete theirtransactions at the ATM.

For example, an ATM may first require a user to insert a card, such as adebit card, into the ATM. The card may include account or otherinformation that links the user to one or more financial accounts.Information stored on the card may include a unique identifier andusername.

Then, the ATM typically requires numerous inputs from a user before atransaction may be initiated and completed. Based on the informationstored on the card, the ATM may prompt the user to enter a personalidentification number (“PIN”) associated with the card. The PIN may beused to authenticate the user at the ATM. After authenticating the user,the ATM may then prompt for inputs such as amount of money, an accountselection or other transaction details.

The prompting for information by the ATM, and the subsequent entry of aresponse by the user, all increase an amount of time each user may spendat the ATM. Others may need to wait while the user responds to the ATMprompts and completes their desired transaction. The lengthy wait timemay increase user dissatisfaction and reduce a transaction efficiency ofthe ATM.

Some technology solutions exist for reducing the number of ATM promptsand user responses. However, these solutions typically requireadditional third-party hardware and services, such as a mobile device orlaptop/desktop computer system. These solutions, in addition toincreasing costs associated with obtaining the third-party hardware andservices, increases security risks. For example, a third-party devicemust be adequately secured to transmit and receive sensitive financialdata. Communication between the third-party device and the ATM must alsobe secured. Furthermore, any sensitive financial data stored locally ona third-party device must be adequately secured to prevent unauthorizedaccess to that data.

It would be desirable to reduce user wait-times at an ATM and improvethe transaction efficiency of an ATM without relying on third-partyhardware or services. It would be further desirable to improvetransaction efficiency of an ATM without imposing costs to procure andmaintain third-party hardware or services. It would also be desirable toimprove the transaction efficiency of an ATM without increasing securityrisks associated with third-party hardware and services.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide apparatus and methods for a DUALCOMMUNICATION CHANNEL SMART CARD.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent uponconsideration of the following detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencecharacters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles of thedisclosure;

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows illustrative apparatus and scenario in accordance withprinciples of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative apparatus and scenario in accordance withprinciples of the disclosure;

FIG. 5A shows an illustrative apparatus and scenario in accordance withprinciples of the disclosure;

FIG. 5B shows an illustrative apparatus and scenario in accordance withprinciples of the disclosure;

FIG. 6A shows an illustrative apparatus and scenario in accordance withprinciples of the disclosure;

FIG. 6B shows an illustrative apparatus and scenario in accordance withprinciples of the disclosure; and

FIG. 7 shows an illustrative apparatus and scenario in accordance withprinciples of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Apparatus for a smart card are provided. Apparatus may increasetransaction processing efficiency of an Automated Teller Machine(“ATM”).

The smart card may include a microprocessor. The smart card may includevarious other components, such as a battery, a speaker, and antennas.The microprocessor may have a thickness that is not greater than 0.25millimeters (“mm”). The microprocessor may control overall operation ofthe smart card and its associated components. The smart card may includeRAM, ROM, an input/output (“I/O”) module and a non-transitory ornon-volatile memory.

The I/O module may include a microphone which may accept user providedinput. The I/O module may include one or more of a speaker for providingaudio output and a display for providing textual, audiovisual and/orgraphical output.

Software may be stored within the non-transitory memory and/or otherstorage media. The software may provide instructions to themicroprocessor for enabling the smart card to perform various functions.For example, the non-transitory memory may store software used by thesmart card, such as an operating system, application programs, webbrowser and a database. Alternatively, some or all of computerexecutable instructions of the smart card may be embodied in hardware orfirmware components of the smart card.

Application programs, which may be used by the smart card, may includecomputer executable instructions for invoking user functionality relatedto communication, authentication services, and voice input and speechrecognition applications. Application programs may utilize one or morealgorithms that encrypt information, process received executableinstructions, interact with an ATM, perform power management routines orother suitable tasks.

The smart card may include a pressure sensitive button. The pressuresensitive button may have a thickness that is not greater than 0.8 mm.The pressure sensitive button may be actuated by a user to activate thesmart card. Actuation of the pressure sensitive button may provide anelectronic signal to the microprocessor or any other component of thesmart card. For example, actuating the pressure sensitive button mayactivate the microprocessor, keypad or communication interface of thesmart card.

In some embodiments, the smart card may be activated in response toreceiving high frequency wireless signals. The high frequency signalsmay be detected by the communication interface. The high frequencysignals may be broadcast by an ATM. The high frequency signals may begenerated by a near field communication (“NFC”) reader. The highfrequency signals may provide power to one or more components of thesmart card. In some embodiments, in response to receiving the power, themicroprocessor may be activated and begin to draw power from a batteryon the smart card.

The smart card may operate in a networked environment. The smart cardmay support establishing communication channels with one or more ATMs.The smart card may connect to a local area network (“LAN”), a wide areanetwork (“WAN”) or any suitable network. When used in a LAN networkingenvironment, the smart card may be connected to the LAN through anetwork interface or adapter. The communication interface may includethe network interface or adapter.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the smart card may include amodem or other means for establishing communications over a WAN, such asthe Internet. The communication interface may include the modem. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are illustrative andother means of establishing a communications link between devices may beused. The existence of any of various well-known protocols such asTCP/IP, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like is presumed.

The smart card may be operational with numerous other general purpose orspecial purpose computing system environments or configurations.Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/orconfigurations that may be suitable for use with the invention include,but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-heldor laptop devices, tablets, mobile phones, multiprocessor systems,microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributedcomputing environments that include any of the above systems or devices,and the like.

The smart card may utilize computer-executable instructions, such asprogram modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, programmodules include routines, programs, objects, components, datastructures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. The smart card may be operational with distributedcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed computing environment, program modules may be located inboth local and remote computer storage media including memory storagedevices.

The smart card may include one or more batteries. A battery of the smartcard may be flexible. The battery may be a power source for electroniccomponents of the smart card. For example, the battery may supply powerto a keypad of the smart card, a communication interface and themicroprocessor. The battery may have a thickness that is not greaterthan 0.5 mm.

The battery may be recharged via an electrical contact when the smartcard is in contact with the ATM. The smart card's power source mayinclude high frequency signals received from an ATM or other networknode. The smart card may be configured to utilize received highfrequency signals to recharge the battery or provide power to othercomponents of the smart card.

The smart card may include an electrical contact. An electrical contactmay be constructed using any suitable material that conducts ortransfers electricity. The smart card may include a plurality ofelectrical contacts. An electrical contact may be accessible on anysuitable face of a housing of the smart card. The contact may beaccessible through a thickness of the housing. The contact may beutilized to transfer electrical charge to the rechargeable battery whenthe smart card is inserted into an ATM card reader.

The smart card may include a communication interface. The communicationinterface may have a thickness that is not greater than 0.8 mm. Thecommunication interface may include a circuitry for establishingelectronic communication with an ATM or other self-service kiosk. Thecommunication interface may be configured to implement protocols forwireless communication. The communication interface may include awireless circuit.

The wireless circuit may include software and/or hardware forestablishing a wireless communication channel with the ATM. Suchprotocols may include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, NFC and cellulartelecommunications. Wi-Fi may include passive Wi-Fi with lower powerconsumption than typical Wi-Fi. The communication interface may includea Near Field Communication (“NFC”) chip. The NFC chip may communicateover a typical NFC range (˜2 in.) when transmitting or receivingsensitive data. An illustrative NFC chip may utilize a 13.56 MHz radiofrequency.

A microprocessor of the smart card may be configured to dynamicallylimit or expand transmitting and receiving ranges. The microprocessormay dynamically limit or expand transmitting and receiving ranges inresponse to detected location of the smart card.

For example, the microprocessor may expand a communication range whenthe smart card is within a “familiar” zone. Expanding a communicationrange may include using a Wi-Fi communication channel rather than an NFCcommunication channel. Expanding a communication range may include usinga typical Wi-Fi range such as 150-300 ft. when searching for availableATM wireless communication channel and using passive Wi-Fi afterestablishing the communication channel with the ATM.

A familiar zone may be a pre-defined radius from a user's home or worklocation. The microprocessor may limit a communication range when thesmart card is within an “unknown” zone. For example, the microprocessormay limit a communication range when the user is travelling. Themicroprocessor may restrict the smart card to using NFC or contact-basedcommunication channels when operating in an unknown zone.

In some embodiments, the smart card may be activated in response toreceiving wireless signals from the ATM. The wireless signals mayprovide power to one or more components of the smart card. Illustrativewireless signals may include NFC signals. For example, in response toreceiving power via the wireless signals, a microprocessor of the smartcard may be activated.

The smart card may include a battery for powering the communicationinterface and the microprocessor. The smart card may include anelectrical contact that may be used to establish a wired orcontact-based connection to the ATM. For example, the smart card mayinclude an “EMV” chip.

EMV is a technology that derives its name from the companies (Europay,MasterCard, and Visa) that helped develop the technology. When an EMVchip is inserted into a specialized card reader, the reader powers theEMV chip and the EMV chip generates a new authorization code each timeit is used to authorize a transaction. Thus, simply copying informationprinted on the face of the smart card or encoded on a magnetic stripemay be insufficient to initiate a fraudulent transaction.

The EMV chip may function as an electrical contact. The EMV chip mayinclude software and/or hardware for establishing a wired communicationchannel with the ATM. The battery of the smart card may be recharged viathe at least one electrical contact when the smart card is in contactwith the ATM via the EMV chip.

The smart card may include a housing. The housing may provide aprotective layer for internal components of the smart card. The housingmay be flexible. The housing may be constructed from plastic or othersuitable materials. The housing may define a form factor of the smartcard. The microprocessor and other components of the smart card may beembedded in, and protected by, the housing.

For example, an ATM may include a card reader constructed to receive acard that conforms to a predefined form factor. As illustrative formfactor is defined in specifications published by the InternationalOrganization for Standardization (“ISO”). Illustrative specificationsmay include: ISO/IEC 7810, ISO/IEC 7811 and ISO/IEC 7816, which arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties.

The smart card may include non-transitory memory locations within thehousing. The microprocessor may access such memory locations. Thenon-transitory memory may be included in the microprocessor.Non-transitory memory locations may store instructions, that whenexecuted by the microprocessor, cause the smart card to perform variousfunctions. For example, the microprocessor may instruct thecommunication interface to scan for a wired or wireless communicationchannels and connect to a detected ATM.

The smart card may include a keypad. The keypad may be mounted on anoutside of the housing. The keypad may include mechanical keys. Thekeypad may be mounted on an outside of the housing. The housing of thesmart card may conform to the predefined form factor. The keypad may notincrease the form factor defined by the ATM for receiving the smartcard. For example, the housing and the keypad mounted on an outside ofthe housing may collectively have a thickness that is not greater than0.8 mm. An entire surface area of the smart card, including the keypad,may not exceed 86 mm×54 mm.

The ATM may utilize information stored on the smart card to authenticatea user at the ATM. In addition to information stored on the smart card,the ATM may prompt the user for authentication information beforeallowing the user to initiate a transaction at the ATM. Theauthentication information may include a PIN or biometric feature.

After authenticating the user, the ATM may allow the user to initiate atransaction at the ATM. Illustrative transactions may includewithdrawing cash, transferring funds between accounts or depositingcash/checks.

The keypad may include mechanical keys. A user of the smart card mayenter data using the keypad. The data entered by the user may becaptured by the microprocessor. Data entered by the user via the keypadmay include inputs that would typically be requested by the ATM. Forexample, the user may enter authentication information using the keypad.

Data entered by the via the keypad may include transaction informationthat would typically be requested by the ATM to initiate a transactionon behalf of the user. For a cash withdrawal transaction information mayinclude a PIN, amount, account, denomination (of bills or currency) andtime restrictions. The microprocessor may formulate transactioninstructions corresponding to a cash withdrawal transaction based on thetransaction information entered using the keypad.

The keypad may allow the user to enter data that will be needed by theATM before the user accesses the ATM. Entering the data before accessingthe ATM may reduce an amount of time the user spends entering data afteraccessing the ATM. Reducing the amount of time the user spends enteringdata at the ATM may, in turn, reduce the amount of time other usersspend waiting to access to the ATM. Reducing the amount of time eachuser spends entering data at the ATM may increase the number oftransaction that the ATM may process per unit of time. Thus, reducingthe amount of time anyone user spends entering data at the ATM mayincrease the transaction processing efficiency of the ATM.

As discussed above, data entered using the keypad may includeauthentication information that would typically be requested by an ATMbefore providing a user access to one or more services of the ATM. Forexample, the user may enter a PIN or biometric feature, a telephonenumber, address or zip code. Such information may be used toauthenticate the user. The authentication information may be encryptedand stored on the smart card. After capturing the authenticationinformation, the smart card may transfer the authentication informationto the ATM without requiring any further input from the user.

As discussed above, data entered using the keypad may includetransaction information that would typically be requested by an ATMbefore implementing one or more services of the ATM. For example, theuser may enter a cash withdrawal amount using the keypad before reachingthe ATM. The smart card may transmit the keyed-in withdrawal amount tothe ATM without requiring any further input from the user. The smartcard may instruct the ATM to execute the withdrawal transaction for thepreviously entered withdrawal amount without requiring any further inputfrom the user.

Other illustrative data that may be entered via the keypad may include auser's name, an expiration date of the smart card, an amount, acurrency, a card verification value (“CVV”) or any other suitable data.

In some embodiments, data entered using the keypad may be transferred toATM when the smart card is inserted into or otherwise in communicationwith the ATM. In some embodiments, data entered using the keypad may betransferred to the ATM before the user inserts the smart card into theATM. The information transferred to the ATM may be utilized by the ATMto complete transaction details that would have otherwise requiredprompting the user for inputs at the ATM. Capturing the data on thesmart card before the user accesses the ATM reduces the amount of time auser needs to spend entering data at the ATM, thereby increasing thetransaction processing efficiency of the ATM.

The smart card may include executable instructions. The executableinstructions may be stored in a non-transitory memory. The executableinstructions, when run by the microprocessor, may implement variousfunctions of the smart card. The instructions may capture data enteredusing the keypad. The executable instructions may encrypt the captureddata.

The smart card may include a dedicated encryption controller forperforming the encryption. The executable instructions may store theencrypted data locally on the smart card.

The executable instructions may formulate a set of transactioninstructions executable by the ATM. The transaction instructions may beformulated based on the information (e.g., transaction information)captured by the keypad. For example, the microprocessor may formulatetransaction instructions for executing a transaction at the ATM. Themicroprocessor of the smart card may integrate the information capturedfrom the keypad into the set of transaction instructions that areexecutable by the ATM.

The smart card may transfer the transaction instructions to the ATM. Thesmart card may transfer the transaction instructions in response toestablishing a communication channel with the ATM. The communicationinterface may be used to establish the communication channel. Forexample, the smart card may establish the communication channel when thesmart card is inserted into a card reader of the ATM. The ATM mayautonomously initiate a transaction based on the information ortransaction instructions stored on the smart card, thereby improving thetransaction processing efficiency of the ATM.

For example, using the keypad, the smart card may capture a PIN andwithdrawal amount from a user. The smart card may formulate a withdrawalrequest for the amount entered by the user. The smart card may formulatethe withdrawal request before the user inserts the smart card into theATM.

The smart card may include a communication interface that includes awireless communication interface. The smart card may scan for a wirelesscommunication channel broadcast by the ATM. The smart card may attemptto establish a connection to the ATM using the detected wirelesscommunication channel. The smart card may establish the wirelesscommunication channel to the ATM before the smart card is inserted intothe ATM.

The wireless communication channel may only be used for transferring aset of transaction instructions previously formulated by the user andstored locally on the smart card. In response to receiving thetransaction instructions, the ATM may initiate pre-processing of thetransaction instructions.

Pre-processing may include verifying any authentication informationincluded in the transaction instructions. Pre-processing may includeverifying that the user has sufficient funds available to warrantdispensing cash to the user. The pre-processing may determine thatfurther input is needed from the user before dispensing cash.

For example, a user's account or ATM location may be associated with aspecific fraud-mitigating protocol. The fraud-mitigating protocol mayrequire a user to provide additional authentication information orverify previously provided authentication information before the ATMexecutes transaction instructions received from the smart card.

The ATM may complete pre-processing of a transaction before the userapproaches the ATM and inserts the smart card into the ATM. The ATM, inresponse to detecting that the smart card has been inserted into theATM, may determine that it has pre-processed transaction instructionsassociated with the inserted smart card. The ATM may then execute thetransaction implemented by the previously received transactioninstructions.

From a perspective of the user, a transaction may be executed in realtime after the smart card is inserted into the ATM. For example, if thetransaction instructions correspond to a withdrawal request, in responseto inserting the smart card into the ATM, the ATM may dispense theamount of cash requested in the transaction instructions to the user.

In some embodiments, the transaction instructions formulated by themicroprocessor and stored locally on the smart card may not betransferred to the ATM before the smart card is inserted into the ATM.Such embodiments may provide an additional layer of fraud-mitigation byreducing the possibility that the transaction instructions may beintercepted during wireless transmission to the ATM.

The transaction instructions may be transferred to the ATM using acontact-based communication channel, such as an EMV chip. When thetransaction instructions are received by the ATM, the ATM may verifyauthentication information included in the transaction instructions andexecute the requested transaction.

In some embodiments, the smart card may capture authenticationinformation. The smart card may encrypt the captured authenticationinformation and transfer the authentication information to the ATM. TheATM may therefore not prompt the user for authentication informationafter the smart card is inserted into the ATM.

After the user inserts the smart card into the ATM, the smart card mayinteract directly with the ATM, without requiring any furtherauthentication information from the user. The smart card may transferthe authentication information to the ATM in response to anauthentication request submitted by the ATM directly to the smart card.

After the ATM authenticates the user and the inserted smart card, thesmart card may then transfer transaction instructions to the ATM. Thetransaction instructions may be formatted in a fashion that isunderstandable for processing by the ATM. The ATM may autonomouslydecrypt received transaction instructions.

The ATM may autonomously execute the set of transaction instructions andinitiate a withdrawal transaction based on the withdrawal amount andaccount information previously entered by the user. The set oftransaction instructions formulated by the microprocessor may besufficient to execute the withdrawal transaction without the ATMprompting the user for additional input data. The ATM may provide therequested amount of cash to the user without requiring the user to enterany information at the ATM after the user inserts the smart card intothe ATM.

The smart card may encrypt data entered by the user. The smart card mayencrypt all or any data entered by the user via the keypad. The ATM maydecrypt data it receives from the smart card. The smart card may encryptless than all the data associated with a set of transactioninstructions. For example, the smart card may only encrypt a PIN orother authentication information.

Limiting the amount of data encrypted by the smart card may allow thesmart card to use less power to function. Using less power may improvethe functionality of the smart card by extending its battery life andextending the amount of time between charging.

Limiting the amount of data encrypted by the smart card may improvefunctionality of the ATM. The ATM may only need to decrypt selected dataand not an entire set of transaction instructions. This may speed up aresponse time of the ATM when processing transactions instructionsreceived from the smart card. Limiting the amount of data that needs tobe decrypted by the ATM may further increase the transaction processingefficiency of the ATM per unit of time.

The microprocessor may be configured to delete encrypted data from thesmart card after expiration of a pre-determined time period. Themicroprocessor may be configured to delete the set of transactioninstructions from the smart card after expiration of a pre-determinedtime period.

The keypad of the smart card may have an inactive state. In the inactivestate, the keypad may not capture data entered using the keypad. Forexample, in the inactive state, the microprocessor may not supply powerto the keypad. In the inactive state, the microprocessor and associatedexecutable instructions may not capture data entered by the user usingthe keypad.

The keypad may have an active state. In the active state, the keypad maybe capable of capturing data entered by a user. In the active state, themicroprocessor may supply power to the keypad. In the active state, themicroprocessor and associated executable instructions may capture and/orencrypt data entered by the user using the keypad.

The inactive state of the keypad may be a default state. When the keypadis in the inactive state, data entered using the keypad of the smartcard is not captured by the microprocessor. The microprocessor maytoggle the keypad between the inactive and active states. For example,the microprocessor may activate the keypad in response to establishing acommunication channel with an ATM.

A system for increasing transaction processing efficiency of anAutomated Teller Machine (“ATM”) is provided. The system may include asmart card having a thickness not greater than 0.8 mm. The smart cardmay have a width not greater than 54 mm. The smart card may have alength not greater 86 mm.

The system may include a communication interface. The communicationinterface may be embedded in the smart card. The communication interfacemay include hardware and software for communicating with an ATM. Forexample, the smart card may include circuitry for communicating usingWi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, cellular or any suitable wireless network orprotocol. The communication interface may include a wired communicationinterface. For example, the smart card may include circuitry andexternally accessible electrical contact(s) for communicating over awired Ethernet or any suitable wired network or protocol.

The system may include a microprocessor. The microprocessor may beembedded in the smart card. The microprocessor may control communicationconducting using the communication interface. For example, themicroprocessor may initiate communication with an ATM using thecommunication interface. The microprocessor may terminate communicationwith the ATM by turning off the communication interface. Turning off thecommunication interface may include disconnecting the smart card fromthe ATM. Turning off the communication interface may include terminatingan ongoing communication session between the smart card and the ATM.Turning off the communication interface may include cutting off powersupplied to the communication interface.

The system may include a user input system. The user input system may bein electronic communication with the microprocessor. The user inputsystem may include a keypad. The user input system may include an inputcontroller. The input controller may capture data entered using thekeypad. The user input system may include a voice controller. The voicecontroller may capture voice commands. The voice controller may generatean audio message confirming data captured by the input controller. Theuser input system may include an encryption controller. The encryptioncontroller may encrypt data captured by the input controller and/or thevoice controller.

The system may include machine executable instructions. The executableinstructions may be stored in a non-transitory memory on the smart card.In some embodiments, executable instructions may be stored in anon-transitory memory on the ATM. The executable instructions may betransferred to the smart card using a communication channel establishedby the communication interface of the smart card.

The executable instructions, when run by the microprocessor, mayself-authenticate a user of the smart card. Self-authentication may beconducted over a communication channel established using thecommunication interface. The communication channel may be a securecommunication linking the smart card and the ATM.

The executable instructions, when run by the microprocessor on the smartcard may formulate transaction instructions executable by the ATM. Thetransaction instructions may be formulated based on the encrypted data.The transaction instructions may be transferred to the ATM over a securecommunication channel linking the smart card and the ATM.

Transaction instructions may be formulated before a secure communicationchannel is established between the smart card and the ATM. For example,a user of the smart card may enter data using the keypad when the useris at home. While at home, the smart card may not be within acommunication range of an ATM.

An ATM may only establish a secure communication link with the smartcard when the smart card is within a threshold distance of the ATM. Whenthe smart card is within the threshold distance, the smart card may belikely or expected to access the ATM. In some embodiments, the securecommunication link may only be established when the smart card initiatesa request to establish the secure communication link. The user mayinitiate the request by actuating the pressure sensitive button or anysuitable key of the keypad.

Transaction information or instructions stored locally on the smart cardmay be used to stage a transaction at the ATM. A staged transaction mayinclude all data needed to execute a transaction at the ATM withoutrequiring additional input from a user. For example, for a withdrawaltransaction, the transaction instructions may include a PIN, the amountto be withdrawn and the account funds are to be withdrawn from. When theATM receives the transaction information/instructions, the ATM mayverify that the PIN is associated with the account. The ATM may alsoverify that the account includes sufficient funds to fulfill thewithdrawal request.

After conducting the verification(s), the ATM may execute the withdrawaltransaction based on the transaction information/instructions receivedfrom the smart card. Thus, the user of the smart card may not need toinput any additional information after the transactioninformation/instructions are transferred to the ATM.

In some embodiments, after conducting the verification of the PIN andsufficient funds, the ATM may await an instruction from the user beforeexecuting the transaction. For example, the ATM may receive thetransaction instructions over a wireless communication channel. The ATMmay receive the transaction instructions over the wireless communicationwhen the smart card is outside a threshold distance from the ATM.

The user of the smart card may enter transaction information used toformulate transaction instructions when the user is at home or at work.The transaction instructions may be transmitted to the ATM over a Wi-Fior cellular communication channel. Later, the user may access the ATM.In response to the detecting the smart card, the ATM may ask the user toconfirm execution of the previously received transaction instructions.

Transaction information/instructions may be transmitted from the smartcard to a target ATM. The transaction information/instructions may betransmitted to a cloud computer system. When the smart card establishesa wired connection to the ATM, the ATM may check whether a stagedtransaction associated with the smart card is stored in the cloudcomputing system.

In some embodiments, after storing transaction information/instructionslocally on the smart card, a flag may be set on the smart card. The ATMmay be configured to check the flag and determine whether transactioninformation/instructions for a staged transaction have been generatedand are stored on the smart card. The ATM may request and obtain thestored transaction information/instructions.

In some embodiments, the ATM may require authentication beforeestablishing a wired connection with the smart card. For example, theATM may require entry of the PIN or submission of a biometric featurebefore executing a staged transaction.

Executing a staged transaction may reduce the number of user inputsrequired at the ATM. Reducing the number of user inputs at the ATMimproves the transaction processing efficiency of the ATM.

The microprocessor may configure the smart card to purge storedtransaction information/instructions when an ATM does not establish awired or contact-based communication channel with the smart card withina pre-determined time period.

A cloud computing system may receive transactioninformation/instructions from the smart card at a first time. When anATM does not establish a wired connection with the smart card by asecond time (and execute the transaction corresponding to thetransaction instructions stored in the cloud system), the cloudcomputing system may purge the transaction information/instructions. Insome embodiments, the interval between the first and second times may beset by the cloud computing system. The cloud computing system may assigna default interval to transaction information/instructions received fromthe smart card.

The cloud computing interval may assign a longer or shorter timeinterval based on a distance between a location of the smart cardtransmitting the transaction information/instructions and a location ofan ATM. The system may use a machine leaning algorithm to determine aninterval that provides sufficient time for the smart card user to travelto the ATM.

The machine learning algorithm may take account of traffic patterns,time of day and typical user behavior. For example, if transactioninformation/instructions are received closer to the end of a workday,the interval may be shorter than if the transactions instructions arereceived earlier in the workday.

The system may include a front controller. The front controller may beincluded in the ATM. Using an ATM communication channel, the frontcontroller may receive encrypted input data from the smart card via thecommunication interface. The encrypted data may include transactioninformation/instructions. The transaction information/instructions maybe received by the front controller from a cloud computing system.

The system may include a decryption controller. The decryptioncontroller may be included in the ATM. The decryption controller maydecrypt encrypted data received by the ATM from the smart card.

The system may include an input validation controller. The inputvalidation controller may communicate with a remote computer server. Theremote computer serer may be a cloud computing system. The remotecomputer server may validate the transaction data received from thesmart card. Validating the transaction data may include verifyingwhether transaction information/instructions received from the smartcard are associated with a valid PIN or other valid authenticationinformation. Validating the transaction data may include verifyingwhether transaction information/instructions are associated withsufficient funds for a specified account.

The system may include a payment dispatcher. The payment dispatcher maybe included in the ATM. The payment dispatcher may dispense cash orother items in response to a positive validation received from the inputvalidation controller.

The smart card may include a wireless communication interface. Theexecutable instructions stored in a non-transitory memory may scan for awireless ATM communication channel. An ATM wireless communicationchannel may only be detectable when the smart card is within a thresholddistance of an ATM. For example, the ATM wireless communication channelmay be purposefully configured to have a maximum transmission range thatis limited to a threshold distance from the ATM.

In response to detecting the wireless ATM communication channel, thesmart card may transfer the encrypted data to the ATM over the wirelessATM communication channel. The ATM may stage a transaction based ontransaction information/instructions included in the received encrypteddata. The ATM may execute the staged transaction only after establishingcontact-based communication with the smart card.

The executable instructions stored on the smart card may purge encrypteddata stored on the smart card when contact-based communication with theATM is not established within a pre-determined time period. The ATM maypurge transaction instructions received from the smart card whencontact-based communication is not established with the smart cardwithin a pre-determined time period.

In some embodiments, the smart card may include a wireless communicationinterface and a contact-based communication interface. When the smartcard establishes a contact-based communication channel with an ATM, thesmart card may operate in accordance with ATM defined protocols.Illustrative ATM protocols may include prompting a user of the smartcard to enter PIN or other transaction information at the ATM using ATMhardware.

The smart card may also allow users to customer to stage transactions.The user may stage transactions by entering information directly intothe smart using the keypad. The smart card may formulate transactioninstructions executable by the ATM based on the transaction informationentered using the keypad. The smart card may save the formulatedtransaction instructions locally on the smart card. Such locally savedtransaction instructions may be referred to as a staged transaction.

When the smart card establishes a wireless communication channel withthe ATM, using the wireless communication channel, the smart card maytransfer the transaction instructions to the ATM. A wirelesscommunication channel may be a Wi-Fi channel, an NFC channel or anyother suitable wireless communication channel.

Upon receipt of the transaction instructions, the ATM may autonomouslyexecute the received transaction instructions without establishing acontact-based connection to the ATM and without prompting the user foradditional information or authentication. In some embodiments, no userinput may be required after the smart card formulates the transactioninstructions. Reducing user inputs at the ATM may improve thetransaction processing efficiency of the ATM.

However, if the user were to insert the smart card into a card reader ofthe ATM, the ATM may attempt to establish a contact-based ATMcommunication channel. The smart card may then interact with the ATMusing the contact-based communication interface and in accordance withprotocols defined by the ATM. In some embodiments, the ATM may initiallyprompt the user to select whether to use a wireless communicationprotocol and autonomously execute transaction instructions saved locallyon the smart card or to proceed using a contact-based communicationinterface and in accordance with protocols defined by the ATM.

The smart card may include software for coordinating use of the wirelessand contact-based communication interfaces and associated communicationchannels. For example, a user may insert the smart card into a cardreader of the ATM. A contact-based communication channel may beestablished by the ATM. Before prompting the user for inputs using thecontact-based communication channel, the ATM may query the smart cardwhether any staged transactions have been entered by the user.

In such scenarios, if a staged transaction has been saved locally on thesmart card, the smart card may transmit the staged transaction to theATM using the contact-based communication channel. The ATM may promptthe user to select whether to execute the staged transaction, initiate anew transaction in accordance with ATM defined protocols or both.

In an alternative embodiment, the smart card may only include a wirelesscommunication interface for transmitting staged transactions to an ATM.In such embodiments, the smart card may not be capable of conductingcontact-based communication with the ATM or operating in accordance withATM defined protocols. Such embodiments may provide specialized ATMaccess (e.g., by submitted staged transactions to the ATM). Suchspecialized access may be particularly useful for users that may havedifficulty using conventional ATMs or initiating conventionaltransactions in accordance with ATM defined protocols.

For example, conventional ATM transactions may require users to respondto ATM prompts and enter responsive information using ATM hardware. Suchactions may be challenging for users with visual or other disabilities.The smart card may be equipped with a specialized keypad that includesbraille key descriptors. The smart card may include a voice controllerthat generates an audio message based on the data entered by the user.

The user may enter information using the specialized keypad from thecomfort of their home. The smart card may generate an audio messageconfirming the information entered by the user. The user can securelylisten to the audio message at home and confirm the entered informationor make any desired changes. After receiving confirmation, the smartcard may formulate transaction instructions based on the confirmedtransaction information.

Before activating the wireless communication interface, the smart cardmay be configured to wait for actuation of a target key on the keypad.Actuation of the target key may indicate the user confirms the audiomessage and/or transaction instructions formulated based on thetransaction information entered using the keypad. For security purposes,the microprocessor may randomly assign a key on the keypad as the targetkey. Randomly assigning the target key may prevent inadvertent orunauthorized confirmation of transaction instructions.

In some embodiments, the user may define a key sequence for confirmingtransaction instructions. The user defined key sequence may requireactuating two or more keys concurrently. The user defined key sequencemay require actuating a target key for a predefined time interval.

Confirmed transaction instructions may be transmitted to the ATM and,upon receipt by the ATM, autonomously trigger execution of the stagedtransaction. The ATM may execute the staged transaction withoutrequiring the user to enter any additional information at the ATM.

In some embodiments, the ATM may detect a presence of the smart cardwhen the smart card is inserted into a card reader of the ATM. However,the smart card may not be capable of interacting with the ATM via thecard reader or any other contact-based communication channel. The ATMmay only detect a presence of the smart card in response to the smartcard being inserted into the card reader. All communication between thesmart card and ATM may be conducted via a wireless communicationchannel.

The wireless communication interface may have an inactive state. In theinactive state, the wireless communication interface may be unable totransmit data. The wireless communication interface may have an activestate. In the active state, the wireless communication interface may becapable of transmitting data. The microprocessor may toggle thecommunication interface from the inactive state to the active state inresponse to detecting actuation of a target key on keypad. Actuation ofthe target key may include actuation of a user defined key sequence.Actuation of the target key may include actuation of a system definedkey sequence. The system defined sequence may be randomly assigned.

A system for improving transaction processing efficiency of an ATM isprovided. The system comprising a smart card having a thickness notgreater than 0.8 mm and a surface area not greater than 86 mm×54 mm. Thesmart card may include a short-range wireless communication interface.An exemplary short-range wireless communication interface may beconfigured to utilize NFC or radio-frequency identification (“RFID”)communication protocols.

The smart card may include a long-range wireless communicationinterface. An exemplary long-range wireless communication interface maybe configured to utilize Wi-Fi, cellular or satellite communicationprotocols.

The smart card may include a microprocessor. The smart card may includea user input system in electronic communication with the microprocessor.The user input system may include a keypad. The keypad may includemechanical keys. Each key may include a braille descriptor.

The user input system may include an input controller. The inputcontroller may capture data entered using the keypad. The user inputsystem may include a voice controller. The voice controller may generatean audio message based on the data entered by the user and captured bythe input controller.

The smart card may include an encryption controller. The encryptioncontroller may encrypt the data captured by the input controller. Thesmart card may include executable instructions stored in anon-transitory memory. The executable instructions when run by themicroprocessor, may control operation of components of the smart card.For example, the microprocessor may establish an authenticationcommunication channel with the ATM using the long-range communicationinterface. The microprocessor may self-authenticate the smart card tothe ATM using the long-range communication interface.

Self-authentication may include providing the ATM with authenticationcredentials stored locally on the smart card. The self-authenticationprocess may not submit any prompts the user or require any inputs fromthe user. Authentication credentials may include a PIN or a biometricfeature. The authentication credentials may be provided by the userduring a process of entering transaction information.

In some embodiments, the user may be required to enter authenticationcredentials each time transaction information is entered using thekeypad. In some embodiments, the smart card may only require the user toenter authentication credentials after expiration of a pre-determinedtime period. The ATM may be configured to verify authenticationcredentials provided by the smart card before executing transactioninstructions received from the smart card.

The microprocessor, may establish a secure wireless communication linkwith the ATM using the short-range communication interface. Themicroprocessor may autonomously trigger execution of a transaction atthe ATM by transferring the transaction instructions to the ATM usingthe short-range communication interface.

The microprocessor may autonomously trigger execution of a transactionat the ATM by transferring transaction instructions to the ATM.Autonomously triggering a transaction at the ATM may improve thetransaction processing efficiency of the ATM by avoiding delaysassociated with the ATM prompting for and, waiting to receive responsesto, additional information.

The microprocessor may be configured to store a first transaction and asecond transaction locally on the smart card. The microprocessor maytrigger execution of the first transaction at a first ATM. Themicroprocessor may trigger execution of the second transaction at asecond ATM. The microprocessor may trigger execution of the secondtransaction at the second ATM after the first transaction is executed bythe first ATM.

The first transaction may be triggered at the first ATM by transferringa first set of transaction instructions to the first ATM using along-range communication interface. The second transaction may betriggered at the second ATM by transferring a second set of transactioninstructions to the second ATM using a short-range communicationinterface.

The microprocessor may trigger execution of the first and secondtransactions at the first ATM. The first transaction may be triggered bytransferring a first set of transaction instructions to the first ATM.The second transaction may be triggered at the first ATM by transferringa second set of transactions to the first ATM.

The microprocessor may delete locally stored transaction data, such astransaction information or formulated instructions, when the ATM doesnot establish a secure wireless communication link with an ATM within apre-determined time period. The microprocessor may delete locally storedtransaction data when the smart card does not establish a securewireless communication link with an ATM within a pre-determined timeperiod using the short-range communication interface.

The ATM may include a front controller. The front controller may receiveencrypted data over the secure wireless communication link using acommunication protocol that is compatible with the smart card'sshort-range communication interface. The front controller may receiveencrypted data over a secure wireless communication link using acommunication protocol that is compatible with the smart card'slong-range communication interface.

Methods for improving transaction processing efficiency of an ATM areprovided. Methods may include capturing transaction information using akeypad embedded in a smart card. Methods may include encrypting thetransaction information. Methods may include storing the encryptedtransaction information locally on the smart card.

Methods may include formulated transaction instructions based on thetransaction information. Methods may include providing audioconfirmation to the user of the transaction information/instructionsstored locally on the smart card.

Methods may include transferring encrypted transaction information fromthe smart card to an ATM using a first wireless communication channel.The first wireless communication channel may utilize long-rangecommunication protocols. An illustrative first communication channel mayinclude a Wi-Fi communication channel. Methods may includeauthenticating the smart card at the ATM using a second wirelesscommunication channel. The second wireless communication channel mayutilize short-range communication protocols. An illustrative secondcommunication channel may include an NFC communication channel.

After successfully authenticating the smart card at the ATM, methods mayinclude triggering execution of a transaction at the ATM using theencrypted transaction information. Methods may include triggeringexecution of the transaction without prompting or receiving any inputfrom a user of the smart card after transferring transaction informationfrom the smart card to the ATM.

Methods for improving transaction processing efficiency of an AutomatedTeller Machine (“ATM”) are provided. Methods may include capturingtransaction information entered by a user via a keypad embedded in asmart card. Methods may include formulating transaction instructionsbased on the entered transaction information.

Methods may include encrypting the transaction information. Methods mayinclude storing the encrypted transaction information locally on thesmart card. Methods may include encrypting the transaction instructions.Methods may include storing the encrypted transaction instructionslocally on the smart card.

Methods may include transferring the encrypted transaction instructionsfrom the smart card to an ATM. Methods may include formulating a stagedtransaction at the ATM based on the encrypted transaction information.The staged transaction may include transaction information needed forthe ATM to execute a transaction autonomously, without requiringadditional user input. Methods may include executing the stagedtransaction without receiving any input from a user of the smart cardafter transferring the encrypted transaction instructions from the smartcard to the ATM.

In some embodiments, the smart card may encrypt transaction informationentered by a user. Methods may include providing audio confirmation tothe user of the smart card. The audio confirmation may provide anaudible articulation of the encrypted transactioninformation/instructions stored locally on the smart card.

Methods may include transferring transaction information/instructionsfrom the smart card to the ATM using a contact-based communicationchannel. Methods may include transferring the encrypted transactioninformation/instructions from the smart card to the ATM using a wirelesscommunication channel. The smart card may transmit the encryptedtransaction information to the ATM. The ATM may formulate thetransaction instructions based on the transaction information.

Apparatus and methods in accordance with this disclosure will now bedescribed in connection with the figures, which form a part hereof. Thefigures show illustrative features of apparatus and method steps inaccordance with the principles of this disclosure. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural,functional and procedural modifications may be made without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

The steps of methods may be performed in an order other than the ordershown and/or described herein. Method embodiments may omit steps shownand/or described in connection with illustrative methods. Methodembodiments may include steps that are neither shown nor described inconnection with illustrative methods. Illustrative method steps may becombined. For example, an illustrative method may include steps shown inconnection with any other illustrative method.

Apparatus may omit features shown and/or described in connection withillustrative apparatus. Apparatus embodiments may include features thatare neither shown nor described in connection with illustrativeapparatus. Features of illustrative apparatus may be combined. Forexample, an illustrative apparatus embodiment may include features shownor described in connection with another illustrative apparatus/methodembodiment.

FIG. 1 shows illustrative smart card 100. Smart card 100 includes keypad105. Keypad 105 may be used by a user of smart card 100 to entertransaction information. Exemplary transaction information may includean amount of cash a user wishes to withdraw from an ATM. Transactioninformation may include a time or a time window when the user would liketo withdraw the cash from the ATM.

For example, using keypad 105, the user may enter “100.” Thistransaction information may represent an amount of funds (e.g., $100)the user wishes to withdraw from an ATM. A currency of the funds may beautomatically assigned based on a location of the ATM. In someembodiments (not shown), keypad 105 may include denomination keys forspecifying the denomination of the funds. Illustrative denominations mayinclude appropriate symbols for dollars ($), euros (€), yen (¥), pounds(£) or any suitable currency.

The user may also enter “1530.” This transaction information mayrepresent that the user wishes to withdraw the $100 after 2:30 pm. Whenthe user specifies a time, the ATM may not allow withdrawal of the $100before 2:30 pm. In some embodiments, the user may not specify any time.Not specifying any time may indicate that the user wishes to be able towithdraw the funds at any time.

In some embodiments, the user may enter a time window. For example, theuser may enter “1530-1430.” This transaction information may indicatethat the user only authorizes staged withdrawal of the $100 duringbetween 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm. The ATM may not allow withdrawal of $100before 2:30 pm. The ATM may not allow execution of the staged withdrawalof $100 after 4:30 pm. For example, smart card 100 may purge theinformation associated with the staged transaction after 4:30 pm. Smartcard 100 may not push the transaction information to an ATM before 2:30pm or after 4:30 pm. Smart card 100 may also purge transactioninformation after it has been transferred to an ATM.

Smart card 100 includes a microprocessor and other components forcapturing, encrypting and storing the transaction information entered bya user. Smart card 100 may also include executable instructions forpackaging transaction information entered via keypad 105 into stagedtransaction instructions that may be executed by an ATM.

Data entered using keypad 105 may displayed on screen 107. Screen 107may display messages to a user of smart card 100. For example, screen107 may display a prompt for the user to enter authenticationcredentials before formulating transaction instructions. Screen 107 maydisplay a prompt for the user to enter authentication credentials beforetransmitting transaction instructions to an ATM. Illustrativeauthentication credentials may include a PIN or biometric information.Screen 107 may also display confirmation that transaction instructionshave been successfully executed. For example, when a target key isactuated, the current account balance may be displayed on screen 107.

In some embodiments, screen 107 may itself be a target key that may beactuated by a user. For example, screen 107 may include organic lightemitting diode (“OLED”) technology. An OLED display may have a thicknessthat is not greater than 0.25 mm. OLEDs may be flexible. OLEDs aretypically solid-state semiconductors constructed from a thin film oforganic material. OLEDs emit light when electricity is applied acrossthe thin film of organic material. Because OLEDs are constructed usingorganic materials, OLEDs may be safely disposed without excessive harmto the environment. Furthermore, OLEDs may be used to construct adisplay that consumes less power compared to other display technologies.

The microprocessor may configure the OLED display to present a labeldescribing a transaction or other functionality assigned to screen 107as a target key. The microprocessor may dynamically configure screen 107to implement different functions as a target key and may alsodynamically change the presented label describing a currentfunctionality assigned to screen 107 as a target key.

FIG. 1 shows that smart card 100 includes chip 101. Chip 101 may providean electrical contact that is accessible through housing 102. Chip 101may provide an electrical contact for establishing a wired orcontact-based communication channel with an ATM (e.g., when card 100 isinserted into a card reader of the ATM). Chip 101 may be an EMV chip.

Chip 101 may store a copy of transaction information printed on a faceof smart card 100. For example, chip 101 may store card number 109,username 115, expiration date 113 and issuing bank 111. Chip 101 mayalso store encrypted security information. The encrypted securityinformation may be utilized to provide a “second factor” method ofauthentication prior to executing a staged transaction.

For example, smart card 100 may package transaction information enteredby user 115 via keypad 105 into staged transaction instructions. Thestaged transaction instructions may include a PIN associated with smartcard 100. The staged transaction instructions may be executable by anATM without requiring any further input from user 115. The stagedtransaction instructions may be transferred to the ATM using wirelesscircuitry 103. In some embodiments, the staged transaction instructionsmay be transferred via chip 101.

After an ATM receives staged transaction instructions, the ATM may firstdetermine whether the PIN included in the staged transactioninstructions is associated with smart card 100. For example, the ATM maycommunicate with a remote server and determine whether the received PINis associated with username 115 and/or card number 109.

As a second factor method of authentication, the ATM may determinewhether the PIN included in the staged transaction instructions (andtransferred to the ATM) successfully unlocks encrypted securityinformation stored on chip 101. In the PIN successfully unlocks theencrypted security information, the ATM may execute the stagedtransaction instructions.

FIG. 1 also shows that smart card 100 has width w and length l. Smartcard 100 may be any suitable size. For example, width w may be 53.98millimeters (“mm”). Length l may be 85.60 mm. Smart card 100 has athickness t. An illustrative thickness may be 0.8 mm. An exemplary formfactor of smart card 100 may be 53.98 mm×85.60 mm×0.8 mm. This exemplaryform factor may allow smart card 100 to fit into a user's wallet orpocket. This exemplary form factor may allow smart card 100 to fit intoa card reader of an ATM.

FIG. 2 shows illustrative smart card 200. Smart card 200 may include oneor more features of smart card 100 (shown in FIG. 1 ). For example,smart card 200 may have the same form factor (e.g., w, l and t) as smartcard 100. Smart card 200 includes keypad 205. Keypad 205 may include oneor more features of keypad 105 (shown in FIG. 1 ). Keys on keypad 205include braille descriptors.

Keypad 205 includes target key 207. Target key 207 includes a brailledescriptor. Actuation of target key 207 may confirm an audio messageformulated by the microprocessor based on transaction instructionsstored on smart card 200. Smart card 200 may wait for the confirmationbefore activating a wireless communication interface or transmitting thetransaction instructions to an ATM.

FIG. 2 shows that smart card 200 includes a defined location for targetkey 207. In other embodiments, the microprocessor may randomly assignone of, or a combination of, the keys included on keypad 205 as a targetkey. In other embodiments, a user may assign a target key.

Actuation of target key 207 may instruct the microprocessor to toggle acommunication interface of smart card 200 from an inactive state to anactive state. Actuation of target key 207 may instruct themicroprocessor to toggle a communication interface of smart card 200from an active state to an inactive state. Actuation of target key 207may initiate a specific or common transaction. For example, actuation oftarget key 207 may formulate transaction instructions corresponding to acash withdrawal transaction from a default account based on thetransaction information entered using keypad 205.

FIG. 3 shows illustrative scenario 300. In scenario 300, user 301 mayenter a withdrawal amount and a PIN using keypad 105 of smart card 100(shown in FIG. 1 ) or keypad 205 of smart card 200 (shown in FIG. 2 )(collectively, “keypad 105/205” and smart card 100/200”). Transactioninformation entered by user 301 may be encrypted and stored locally onsmart card 100/200. Smart card 100/200 may include a speaker (notshown). The speaker may provide user 301 with audio confirmation oftransaction information entered using keypad 105/205. For example, thespeaker may provide audio confirmation of the amount. In someembodiments, to maintain secrecy of a PIN, the speaker may not provideaudio confirmation of the PIN.

After entering the amount, PIN, account and any other transactioninformation are encrypted and stored locally on smart card 100/200.Smart card 100/200 may include a specially designed memory location forsecurely storing transaction information.

In some embodiments, transaction information stored locally on smartcard 100/200 may be transferred to ATM 303. In some embodiments, ATM 303may formulate transaction instructions based on the transactioninformation received from smart card 100/200. In some embodiments, amicroprocessor on smart card 100/200 may be configured to formulatetransaction instructions executable by ATM 303 based on transactioninformation stored locally on smart card 100/200. No external hardwareor software such as a mobile device, laptop or desktop device is neededto formulate the transaction instructions. The transaction instructionsmay also be encrypted and securely stored locally on smart card 100/200.

The microprocessor of smart card 100/200 may purge any locally storedtransaction information or instructions that have not been transferredto ATM 303 within a predetermined time window. Transaction informationor instructions may be transferred to ATM 303 when smart card 100/200 isinserted into a card reader (not shown) of ATM 303.

Transaction information or instructions may be transferred to ATM 303when smart card 100/200 is within a target distance of ATM 303. Smartcard 100/200 may include circuitry and software for conducting NFCcommunication. The target distance may correspond to being within rangefor conducting NFC communication. A typical NFC range is ˜2 in.

In other embodiments, the microprocessor of smart card 100/200 may beconfigured to dynamically limit or expand wireless transmitting andreceiving ranges. The microprocessor may dynamically limit or expandwireless transmitting and receiving ranges in response to detectedlocation of smart card 100/200.

Smart card 100/200 may include a global positioning system (“GPS”) chipfor receiving and/or transmitting GPS signals. The microprocessor ofsmart card 100/200 may determine a current location of the smart cardbased on the received GPS signals. In other embodiments, themicroprocessor of smart card 100/200 may determine a current location ofthe smart card based on signal triangulation or information receivedfrom an ATM.

After transaction information or instructions stored locally on smartcard 100/200 are transferred to ATM 303, ATM 303 executes thetransaction based on the received transaction information orinstructions. FIG. 3 shows that for a withdrawal transaction, ATM 303provides user 301 with the requested amount of cash when smart card100/200 is inserted or otherwise establishes communication with ATM 303.User 301 will not have to input any information into ATM 303 or use thescreen or keyboard of ATM 303. The process and apparatus shown in FIG. 3will increase transaction efficiency of ATM 303 by allowing ATM 303 toprocess more transactions per unit of time.

FIG. 4 shows illustrative components 400 of smart card 100 (shown inFIG. 1 ), smart card 200 (shown in FIG. 2 ) and ATM 303.

FIG. 4 shows that smart card 100/200 includes front facade 401. Frontfacade 401 may include keypad 105/205 and a speaker (not shown) forreceiving input and providing output to user 401. The speaker may becontroller by voice controller 407. Voice controller 407 may receiveinstructions from input controller 403.

Input controller 403 may capture data input by user 301 using keypad105/205. Input controller 403 may encrypt the captured data. Inputcontroller 403 may store captured data locally on smart card 100/200.Voice controller 407 may generate electrical impulses that, whenreceived by the speaker, audibly convey transaction information capturedby input controller 403 to user 301. Voice controller 407 may generateelectrical impulses that, when received by the speaker, audibly conveytransaction instructions formulated by microprocessor 409.

Encryption of data captured by input controller 403 may be performed byencryption controller 405. Encryption controller 405 may encrypt thedata using any suitable encryption algorithm. Illustrative encryptionalgorithms include RSA cryptography, Blowfish, AES, RC4, RC5, and RC6.

Smart card 100/200 may have limited power resources and may utilize anenergy efficient encryption algorithm. An illustrative energy efficientencryption algorithm may include RC5, Skipjack and Secure IoT (“SIT”).

SIT is a symmetric key algorithm that utilizes a 64-bit block cipher andrequires a 64-bit key to encrypt data. Typical symmetric key algorithmsare designed to take an average of 10 to 20 encryption rounds tomaintain a strong encryption process. Each encryption round utilizesmathematical functions to create confusion and diffusion. Generally, themore encryption rounds that are executed, the more secure the algorithm.However, the more encryption rounds that are executed also increase theamount of power consumed by the encryption algorithm.

To minimize power consumption, SIT is limited to just five encryptionrounds and each encryption round includes mathematical operations thatoperate on 4 bits of data. To sufficiently secure the encrypted data,SIT utilizes a Feistel network of substitution diffusion functions suchthat encryption and decryption operations are very similar. The reducednumber of encryption rounds is offset by the relatively long 64 bit key.

Microprocessor 409 may control overall operation of smart card 100/200and its associated components. For example, microprocessor 409 mayactivate or deactivate keypad 105/205. When keypad 105/205 is active,input controller 403 may capture and encrypt data input using keypad105/205. When keypad 105/205 is inactive, input controller 403 may notreceive data from keypad 105/205. For example, in the inactive state,power may not be supplied to keypad 105/205.

In some embodiments, microcontroller 409 may activate or deactivateinput controller 403. When active, input controller 403 may capture andencrypt data input using keypad 105/205. When inactive, input controller403 may disregard data input using keypad 105/205.

Microcontroller 409 may activate or deactivate any component of smartcard 100/200. Based on detecting a communication channel associated withATM 303, microprocessor may activate one or more components of smartcard 100/200. Microprocessor 409 may activate or deactivate componentsof smart card 100/200 based on a location of smart card 100/200.

For example, microprocessor 409 may only activate keypad 105/205 orinput controller 403 when smart card 100/200 is in a familiar zone. User301 may define a familiar zone by inputting a zip code into keypad105/205. Microcontroller 409 may deactivate keypad 105/205 or inputcontroller 403 when smart card 100/200 is in an unknown zone. Smart card100/200 may include a GPS chip for detecting a current location.

Smart card 100/200 also includes communication interface 411.Communication interface 411 may include a network interface or adapter.Communication interface 411 may include hardware and/or software forestablishing a communication channel with ATM 303. The ATM interface maybe configured to implement protocols for wireless and/or wiredcommunication with ATM 303.

FIG. 4 also shows illustrative components of ATM 303. ATM 303 includesfront controller 413. Front controller 413 communicates with smart card100/200 via communication interface 411.

Front controller 413 may include a network interface or adapter. Frontcontroller 413 may include hardware and/or software for establishing acommunication channel with smart card 100/200. Front controller 413 maybe configured to implement protocols for wireless and/or wiredcommunication with smart card 100/200.

Front controller 413 may receive transaction information andinstructions transmitted stored on smart card 101 via communicationinterface 411. Front controller 413 may establish a wired or contactbased connection with smart card 101. For example, Front controller 413may establish a wireless connection with smart card 101. For example,front controller 413 may include an NFC reader.

For example, front controller 413 may include a card reader forestablishing a wireless connection with smart card 101. For example,front controller 413 may include circuitry for interacting with EMV chip101 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of smart card 100/200. Front controller 413 mayinclude one or more read heads. The read head(s) may include a pluralityof sub-heads that are positioned to extract information encoded on chip101. The sub-heads may be positioned based on target chip locations asdefined in ISO 7816, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

ATM 303 includes decryption controller 415. Decryption controller 415may decrypt transaction information/instructions received from smartcard 101. The decrypted transaction information/instructions may bepassed to input validation controller 417. Input validation controller417 may connect to a remote computer server to validate authenticationcredentials or other transaction information received from smart card100/200.

For example, input validation controller 417 may validate a PINassociated with user 301 and smart card 101. Input validation controller417 may validate that an account associated with smart card 101 has anadequate balance to withdraw a requested amount included in thetransaction information/instructions.

After input validation controller 417 validates the transactioninformation, input validation controller 417 may issue instructions topayment dispatcher 419. Payment dispatcher 419 may dispense the amountof cash requested by the transaction instructions (received from smartcard 100/200) to user 301. ATM 303 does not require any input from user301 after establishing communication with smart card 100/200 andreceiving transaction instructions (which include transactioninformation) from smart card 100/200.

FIGS. 5A-5B show illustrative scenarios 500 and 502. In scenario 500,user 505 has utilized keypad 105 of smart card 100 (or keypad 205 ofsmart card 200) to enter transaction information that is stored locallyon smart card 100/200. Smart card 100/200 may formulate transactioninstructions that are executable by ATM 303. Transaction informationentered by user 505 is stored on smart card 100/200 as transactioninstructions 501.

Scenario 500 shows that smart card 100/200 and ATM 303 communicate usingcommunication channel 503. Communication channel 503 may be establishedwhen smart card 100/200 is within a threshold distance of ATM 303. Forexample, communication channel 503 may be an NFC channel establishedwhen smart card 100 and ATM 303 are within an NRC communication range ofeach other.

In other embodiments, communication channel 503 may be a Wi-Ficommunication channel. For example, user 505 may enter the transactioninformation from a comfort of their home. User 505 may pass ATM 303 onthe way to or home from work. Using a wireless network at home or work,user 505 may initiate a transfer of transaction instructions 501 to ATM303.

Transaction instructions 501 are transferred over communication channel503 to ATM 303. Scenario 500 shows that communication channel 503 is awireless communication channel. In other embodiments, communicationchannel may be a wired or contact based communication channel.

FIG. 5B shows scenario 502. In scenario 502, user 505 has inserted smartcard 100/200 into a card reader of ATM 303. As discussed above, user 505may have transferred transaction instructions 501 specifically to ATM303 because ATM 303 is at a convenient location.

Transaction instructions 501 may include timing restrictions. The timingrestrictions may limit execution of transaction instructions 501 to atime window defined by the timing restrictions. If transactioninstructions 501 are not executed within the time window, ATM 303 maydelete transaction instructions 501. If transaction instructions 501 arenot executed within the time window, smart card 100/200 may deletetransaction instructions 501.

In scenario 502, user 505 inserts smart card 100/200 into ATM 303. ATM303 recognizes, based on the information stored on smart card 100, thattransaction instructions 501 are associated with smart card 100. ATM 303may recognize that transaction instructions 501 are associated withsmart card 100 based on transaction information encoded in an EMV chipor magnetic stripe of smart card 100. In some embodiments, when smartcard 100/200 is inserted into ATM 303, smart card 100/200 may inform ATM303 that transaction instructions 501 are ready to be executed by ATM303.

Scenario 502 shows ATM 303 dispensing cash 507 to user 505. The amountof cash 507 is defined by transaction instructions 501. In scenario 502,ATM 303 dispenses cash 507 to user 505 without user 505 entering anydata at ATM 303.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show illustrative scenarios 600 and 602. FIG. 6A showsscenario 600. In scenario 600, users 601, 603 and 605 are all waiting ona line to use ATM 607. Scenario 600 shows that user 601 is last on theline. Scenario 600 also shows that user 601 is in possession of smartcard 100 or smart card 200.

Enlarged view 611 of smart card 100/200 shows that keypad 105/205 ofsmart card 100/200 is in inactive state 613 and is locked. When keypad105/205 is in inactive state 613, information may not be entered usingkeypad 105/205. When keypad 105/205 is in inactive state 613,information entered using keypad 105/205 may not be stored on smart card100/200. In some embodiments, keypad 105/205 may remain locked untilsmart card 100/200 detects that it is within range of a communicationchannel of ATM 607.

FIG. 6B shows scenario 602. In scenario 602, while user 601 is waitingon the line, smart card 100/200 determines it is within range of acommunication channel of ATM 607. Smart card 100/200 establishescommunication channel 621 with ATM 607. In response to establishingcommunication channel 621, microprocessor 309 (shown in FIG. 3 ) unlockskeypad 105/205. At shown in 617, user 601 may remove smart card 100/200and enter transaction information while waiting for users 603 and 605 tocomplete their transactions at ATM 607.

Enlarged view 619 shows illustrative transaction information 615 enteredby user 601 while waiting on the line. Using unlocked keypad 105/205,user 601 has entered an amount—$345. Using unlocked keypad 105/205, user601 has also entered a PIN. The PIN is represented by “xxxx” to preventan onlooker from viewing the PIN entered by user 601.

Transaction information 615 may be transferred to ATM 607 while user 601is waiting on the line. Based on the entered transaction information,smart card 100/200 may formulate transaction instructions executable byATM 607. When user 601 inserts smart card 100/200 into ATM 607,transaction information 615 previously entered by user 601 is used toexecute a transaction at ATM 607. The transaction may be executedwithout requiring any inputs from user 601 after smart card 100/200 wasinserted into ATM 607.

Executing transactions based on transaction information 615 previouslyentered by user 601 may increase a transaction efficiency of ATM 607.For example, each of users 603 and 605 may be in possession of a smartcard such as smart card 100/200. Each of users 603 and 605 may entertransaction information using keypad 105/205 before approaching ATM 607.

Based on the previously entered transaction information, transactionsdesired by each of users 603 and 605 may be executed by ATM 607. Thedesired transactions may be executed without requiring any additionalprompts or inputs from users 603 or 605 after their respective smartcards are inserted into ATM 607.

As a result of not having to prompt users 601, 603 or 605 forinformation, ATM 607 may process transactions desired by users 601, 603or 605 in less time. Accordingly, users 601, 603 or 605 each wait lesstime on the line before having their desired transactions executed byATM 607.

FIG. 7 shows illustrative scenario 700. In scenario 700, at time to, twosets of transaction instructions 701 and 703 are stored locally on smartcard 100/200. Each of transaction instructions 701 and 703 may haveformulated based on transaction information input by a user of smartcard 100/200 using keypad 105/205. Each of transaction instructions 701and 703 may be associated with timing restrictions. Each of transactioninstructions 701 and 703 may be associated with location restrictions.For example, the user may limit transaction instructions 701 to beingexecuted at t₁ at ATM 705. The user may limit transaction instructions703 to being executed at t₂ at ATM 707.

Scenario 700 shows that at to, transaction instructions 701 and 702 maybe validated by remote computer system 709. For example, using a Wi-Ficommunication channel, remote computer system 709 may prompt for a PINor biometric feature. The Wi-Fi communication channel may be along-range communication channel.

Remote computer system 709 may confirm that the provided PIN orbiometric feature included in transaction instructions 701 or 702 is infact associated with smart card 100/200. After successfully validatingtransactions instructions 701 and 703, remote computer system 709 mayauthorize smart card 100/200 to transmit transaction instructions 701and 703 to one or more ATMs. Transmitting transaction instructions 701and 703 to an ATM may autonomously trigger execution of a transaction atthe ATM.

Scenario 700 shows that at t₁, transaction 701 is transferred to ATM 705via NFC₁ communication channel. NFC₁ communication channel may be ashort-range communication channel. Transferring transaction instructions701 to ATM 705 may autonomously trigger execution of transactioninstructions 701 at ATM 705. A user of smart card 100/200 may initiatethe transfer of transaction instructions 701 to ATM 705 by actuating atarget key (e.g., target key 207, shown in FIG. 2 ) of smart card100/200.

Scenario 700 shows that at t₂, transaction instructions 703 aretransferred to ATM 707 via NFC₂ communication channel. NFC₂communication channel may be a short-range communication channel. At t₂,because transaction instructions 701 have previously been transferred toATM 705 at t₁, transaction instructions 701 are shown in phantom lines.

In some embodiments, transaction instructions 701 may be deleted fromsmart card 100/200 after being transferred to ATM 705. For example, ATM705 or remote computer system 709 may issue an instruction to smart card100/200 to delete transaction instructions 701 after they aresuccessfully executed by ATM 705.

Thus, methods and apparatus for a DUAL COMMUNICATION CHANNEL SMART CARDare provided. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that thepresent invention can be practiced by other than the describedembodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration ratherthan of limitation, and that the present invention is limited only bythe claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of improving transaction processingefficiency of an Automated Teller Machine (“ATM”), the methodcomprising: capturing transaction information using a keypad embedded ina smart card; encrypting the transaction information; storing theencrypted transaction information locally on the smart card;transferring the encrypted transaction information from the smart cardto an ATM using a short-range wireless communication channel;authenticating the smart card at the ATM using a long-range wirelesscommunication channel; and after successfully authenticating the smartcard at the ATM, triggering execution of a transaction at the ATM usingthe encrypted transaction information without receiving any input from auser of the smart card after transferring the encrypted transactioninformation from the smart card to the ATM.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the long-range wireless communication channel is a Wi-Ficommunication channel.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the short-rangewireless communication channel is a Near Field Communication channel. 4.The method of claim 1, further comprising providing audio confirmationto the user of the encrypted transaction information stored locally onthe smart card.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the smart card furthercomprises a voice controller; and before authenticating the smart cardat the ATM using the long-range wireless communication channel,generating an audio message based on the captured transactioninformation; and waiting for actuation of a target key on the keypadbefore activating the long-range wireless communication channel.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein: the long-range wireless communicationchannel comprises: an inactive state in which the long-range wirelesscommunication channel is unable to transmit data; and an active state inwhich the long-range wireless communication channel is capable oftransmitting data; and the smart card toggles the long-range wirelesscommunication channel from the inactive state to the active state inresponse to detecting actuation of a target key on keypad.
 7. The methodof claim 1, wherein the transaction information entered using the keypadand encrypted comprises: a personal identification number (“PIN”)associated with the smart card; and an amount of cash desired to bewithdrawn from the ATM.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein each key onthe keypad comprises a braille key descriptor.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein the smart card is not capable of transmitting the transactioninformation to the ATM over the long-range wireless communicationchannel.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the smart card comprises ahousing and wherein the housing and the keypad collectively have athickness that is not greater than 0.8 millimeters (“mm”).
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the smart card is recharged when the smartcard is in communication with the ATM via the short-range wirelesscommunication channel.